A Collection of blogs exploring the impact of digital technology on society

Throughout the months of June to August 2019, I have been employed as the position of the content and communications Intern at the charity Victoria’s Promise. Based in Hook, Victoria’s Promise has been established for 5 years, filling the critical gaps in emotional, practical, physical and social support for young women who have been diagnosed with cancer. The aim of the charity is to support and empower young women, and their families, through cancer treatment. VP currently supports young women who are being treated in the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

After a forty-five-minute commute to the scenic village of Hook, I arrived at the base of VP. The office would consist of myself, The Content and Communications manager Kate, Fundraise Manager Ed, CEO Fiona, and two other student interns. A typical day would start with a brief meeting which would be based around the nearest event the charity would be hosting; today we started to discuss and plan the VP annual golf day at South Winchester Gold Club. Immediately I was given a list of tasks to complete within the week, these included completing an inventory of event materials we had in storage, and to create a press release for the event to send to local media outlets.

VP’s Office welcome

On my first day at VP, I was cautioned by a former intern that VP would challenge me from the start and throw me in the deep end with important tasks. This was proved when I was asked to create a press release on the upcoming event. Although I had never written a press release before I was supported by the team as they openly answered any questions I had and helped to proofread my work until it was up to the standard to send to the Fiona. From this, I learned how to professional write a press release in the tone of VP and the process of sending it off to local media outlets. Eventually, towards the end of my placement, I was confidently able to write a press release for VP alone, a skill which can be developed and be useful for my future career.

VP Annual Golf Day

Alongside this I was expected to complete my weekly set tasks which included scheduling social media posts, updating the VP newsletter and creating and scheduling a weekly blog post. Throughout these tasks, I learned how to use new programs such as mail chimp and was able to improve my current skills on InDesign and WordPress.

I didn’t expect to gain as much insight and knowledge in PR and marketing with VP when starting my placement. Already within this short period, I’ve learned so much whilst being a part of Team VP. The approach to interns is extremely hands-on and it has been amazing to know that the work that I’ve been responsible for has helped the charity reach its noble mission. Working at VP has been provided me with valuable work experience with a group of inspiring and devoted people